More Of What You Love
Paul Agnew takes to the road in the Porsche Macan S and discovers a vehicle that is sleek and supple with an exciting, distinctly sporty feel. Photography: Roger Moore
Some cars simply ooze class and kerb appeal, others overflow with technological wonderment and gadgets, a few prefer practicality and performance … while there are those who list comfort, heritage and style among their USPs.
But occasionally a car comes along that gives you all of the above. And then some.
The Porshce Macan S is one such vehicle.
It is, of course, always a plus to have a Porsche badge on your bonnet. Porsche is legendary, a global motoring brand par excellence – it never disappoints.
With a name derived from the Indonesian word for ‘tiger’, the sleek Macan S is all about suppleness, speed, excitement, dynamism and fascination.
It might be the baby cat in the Porsche SUV range, but that isn’t to say it falls short in any way. Far from it. This, my friends, is a true five-door, luxury, crossover with a distinctly sporty feel.
The one I had the pleasure to meet, shimmering in the early Spring sunshine, came in sapphire blue metallic with a black leather interior, a host of state-of-the-art features and an infotainment system (Porsche Communication Management) to rank alongside the very best. A joy to behold.
Would it be ok to call it a foxy lady? Who knows, who cares?
The Macan S is guaranteed to turn heads as you purr down the country lanes or coast along the promenade – it aches to be driven and enjoyed.
So, let’s start with the fun bit, the aforementioned infotainment package that is capital-G Great, with a 10.9-inch full HD touchscreen designed for speedy swapping between its many and various functions, including Apple connectivity and a BOSE surround system.
The touchscreen is fully networked as standard and includes online navigation with real-time traffic information through ‘Here Cloud’, mobile phone connection, two audio interfaces and intelligent voice control. Also as standard, are Porsche Connect Plus (with phone module and SIM card reader), a wi-fi hotspot and an array of new Porsche Connect services.
Basically, everything you could possibly need, right there, just when you need it, including rear USB ports which are always handy.
On then to the technical – the facts and figures, the optional specification.
Expect the 3-litre V6 turbo-charged petrol engine to accelerate from 0-60mph in just over five seconds and achieve a top speed of 157mph, with decent fuel economy too, all things considered.
Also expect panoramic roof system, park/assist (front and rear), reversing camera and surround view, lane departure warning, 14-way electric front seats with memory, 21-inch sport classic wheels painted in high-gloss black, 75 litre fuel tank, suspension management, power steering (plus), privacy glass, heated front seats, LED headlights as standard, a three-dimensional rear LED lightbar and automatically dimming mirrors (in and out).
Not a new car, the Macan has been around for several years, since 2014 to be exact, but my has it stood the test of time?
There have been upgrades and facelifts along the way and the latest version, for example, boasts a front fascia featuring several styling cues borrowed from the famous 911.
Staying on the external, you can also discover (standard and optional) a host of recent additions like designer wheels, bigger bumper vents, eye-catching new body colours and a general sportier feel. To add to the interior appeal is a cleaner-looking centre stack, a superb GT steering wheel (again based on the 911) heated windscreen, traffic jam assist, ionizer. The list goes on.
As for the drive itself, the overall handling, steering and braking is sophisticated, precise and responsive, safety features abound and all-round comfort is a given.
The Macan S suits every motoring need and, according to one auto magazine, it ‘out-performs all competition with outstanding driving performance.’
It can, of course, go off-road – but don’t feel obliged to. The Macan S is perfectly happy prowling the roads, preening itself as bystanders stop and stare. It’s a blast and a driving pleasure.
Porsche Centre Preston
Watery Lane PR2 1QJ
01772 911911
porschepreston.co.uk
